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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe Easy Budget-Friendly Easter Side

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A simple, creamy scalloped potatoes recipe that is budget-friendly and perfect for Easter or any comforting meal. It features tender potato slices baked in a cheesy, buttery sauce with a golden crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds russet potatoes (about 900 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (24 grams)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 Β½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (170 grams)
  • Β½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 grams)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C).
  2. Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Slice them into thin rounds about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it bubbles lightly.
  4. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes, until it coats the back of a spoon.
  5. Stir in the minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and fold in 1 cup (113 grams) of shredded cheddar and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  6. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Arrange a layer of potato slices on the bottom, overlapping slightly. Pour a portion of the cheese sauce over the potatoes and spread gently. Repeat layering potatoes and sauce until all are used, finishing with a layer of sauce on top.
  7. Sprinkle the remaining Β½ cup (57 grams) cheddar cheese over the final layer for a golden, bubbly crust.
  8. Bake uncovered for 50-60 minutes until potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork and the top is golden and bubbly.
  9. Let the dish rest for about 10 minutes before serving to thicken.

Notes

If the top browns too quickly before the potatoes are tender, loosely cover the dish with foil halfway through baking. Fresh thyme sprinkled before serving adds a subtle freshness. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese substitutes, and replace butter with coconut oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: scalloped potatoes, creamy potatoes, cheesy potatoes, Easter side dish, budget-friendly, comfort food, easy potato recipe